Switching from LED to T5

clowninaround74 · Sep 4, 2014

So I haven't been getting the color or growth I had hoped for from my Radion Pro G2. I don't think it's a bad light, but more discredit my ability to dial in the countless adjustments that are available on this light.

That being said, I have ordered an ATI 8x24w 24" dimmable fixture to go over my 24"x24"x24" 60g cube. It's a mixed reef with LPS and zoa's down low but is mainly dominated by SPS.

I'm currently running my Radion at 60% intensity. Should there be an acclimation period from my LED's to the T5 fixture? If so, would you utilize the dimmable feature or use window screen over the tank for a week or so?

Ive ran halide and LED's in the past, so t5 is completely foreign to me. Just looking for some recommendations and suggestions.

Any help is much appreciated!! Not looking to start the LED vs T5 debate here...

Also, does anybody have recommendations or can provide their program on the ATI? I went with the dimmable unit to control intensity, but also the built in controller so I can ramp up and down.

Thanks!!

3Twinklets · Sep 4, 2014

That is a good fixture. I do not think you will need an acclimation period but the screen would not hurt.

clowninaround74 · Sep 4, 2014

I'm excited about getting it set up. I just don't want to burn anything from the switch.

3Twinklets · Sep 4, 2014

Then the screen will help.
Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone using REEF2REEF

Reefcowboy · Sep 4, 2014

Good move getting the dimmable unit. Ive been a t5 guy most of the years and that ati unit puts lots of light. I hink in the acclimation period a few corals will not like it at first if you olace a few screens, but you will at keast not lose anything.
Remove one screen oer week then dim up a bit until you have it tuned.
I think the sps though will re bound great colors faster than you think.
I hope you jeep us posted on the process...
Good luck

saltwaterpicaso · Sep 4, 2014

Why didn't u just add t 5 supplement. .. I did and my tank looks awesome with the leds and t5.. way better than when I used one or the other

clowninaround74 · Sep 4, 2014

saltwaterpicaso said:
Why didn't u just add t 5 supplement. .. I did and my tank looks awesome with the leds and t5.. way better than when I used one or the other

I don't have a canopy on the tank... Would have been difficult to supplement the Radion. If I had a canopy with the room I would have.

Again, I don't dislike the light, it just didn't fit my needs.

ecam · Sep 4, 2014

+1. Add the retros for growth and run LEDs on blues and uv.

saltwaterpicaso · Sep 4, 2014

I run all the leds and use ati actinic bulbs. No regrets. .. I don't have a canopy either I bought a 6 bulb fixture and only use the 2 outside bulbs and mounted the radion in the middle. .. super clean looking

clowninaround74 · Sep 4, 2014

I figured I can add reefbrites if I decide to down the road. I've already sold my Radion and the ATI will be swapped out on Monday.

Just looking for some advice regarding the acclimation process and the switch so I don't fry my corals

fbodykiller · Sep 4, 2014

saltwaterpicaso said:
I run all the leds and use ati actinic bulbs. No regrets. .. I don't have a canopy either I bought a 6 bulb fixture and only use the 2 outside bulbs and mounted the radion in the middle. .. super clean looking

Pics of this please?

luxauterna · Sep 4, 2014

clowninaround74 said:
I figured I can add reefbrites if I decide to down the road. I've already sold my Radion and the ATI will be swapped out on Monday.

Just looking for some advice regarding the acclimation process and the switch so I don't fry my corals

I agree with some of the posts above that a screen or dimming the fixture to help prevent frying the corals is a great idea. You probably won't need to do it for very long though.

Latinreefer · Sep 4, 2014

ATI is great, i came from LED and never got the growth I really wanted nor the look that was pleasing to my eye.

Good Luck

clowninaround74 · Sep 4, 2014

luxauterna said:
I agree with some of the posts above that a screen or dimming the fixture to help prevent frying the corals is a great idea. You probably won't need to do it for very long though.

Awesome, thank you. I was thinking the LEDs are probably close to the PAR ratings for the T5 but might still dim it to be safe

Latinreefer said:
ATI is great, i came from LED and never got the growth I really wanted nor the look that was pleasing to my eye.

Good Luck

Looking forward to it. Do you have a dimmable fixture? If so, do you mind sharing your program?

Latinreefer · Sep 5, 2014

clowninaround74 said:
Awesome, thank you. I was thinking the LEDs are probably close to the PAR ratings for the T5 but might still dim it to be safe

Looking forward to it. Do you have a dimmable fixture? If so, do you mind sharing your program?

The ati hydrid is a dimmable fixture, leds and t5's.

jpines · Sep 6, 2014

fbodykiller said:
Pics of this please?

Pics +1

clowninaround74 · Sep 9, 2014

Help!!!! Just hung my 8x24 ATI dimmable light and have the following bulb setup:

Front:

Blue +
Actinic
Blue +
Coral +
Blue +
Actinic
Coral +
Blue +

With the fixture on, I really like the color spectrum. I do have an extra aqua blue special bulb if that spectrum is too blue for growth and color. Suggestions?

I also want to make sure my schedule is ok. I'm running a shorter photo period to help acclimate the corals while the bulbs burn in at 100%

I have it set as follows:

Channel 1: only fires 2 bulbs
1: 9:00 on
2: 9:01 100%
3: 15:00 100%
4: 15:01 OFF

Channel 2: the other 6 bulbs fire up
1: 10:00 ON
2: 10:01 100%
3: 14:00 100%
4: 14:01 OFF

I'm coming from a Radion pro which was set at 60% running from 8:00am to 8:30pm.

How long would you run this shortened photo period and is what I currently have programmed provide enough light to both keep the corals alive and not burn the SPS?

Thanks!

stlcard · Sep 13, 2014

May want to back off channel 2 by an hour or so at first. Rest looks fine. Just keep an eye on your corals.

stlcard · Sep 13, 2014

Also, the actinics are a little over kill unless you are using those specifically for dusk dawn. Which you're not based on their current bulb position. Blue plus has much better par than the act only and it has the actinic in it (blue plus). I'm about to take my radions down and replace with ati 8 I'm running: 5 blue plus, 2 purple plus, 1 ge 6500k with some kind of led moonlights or strip added.

Gwitness · Sep 13, 2014

I got rid of my radions gen 2 and went with the 8 bulb 60inch ATI unit....SO glad I made the switch!!! Most coral were fine with the change, but a few acro started to bleach some, so I just cut down the photoperiod a bunch....I run 5 blue+, 1 actinic, 1 coral + and 1 aquablue special....I bought 2 Blue stunner strips for the front and back and does great for dusk/dawn type look!